A day after supporting the idea of a special advanced poll being hosted by a local young professionals organization, Mayor Keith Hobbs is having second thoughts.
The Oct. 20 poll has come under scrutiny in some corners, with voters concerned about an alleged conflict of interest.
SHIFT board member Shelby Ch’ng is running as a candidate in Northwood Ward.
Hobbs said while he’s not particularly concerned about the perceived conflict, the municipal election must be pristine and be seen to be pristine.
Because of the optics, he’s changed his mind.
“I am hearing more and more complaints and concerns on this one, so although I know SHIFT to be a very professional and credible group and I personally have no concerns, I think the city should err on the side of caution,” Hobbs said.
“If another mayoral candidate perceives this as improper, then perhaps that should also signal that a bad perception is out there.”
The city is hosting approximately 30 advanced polls, though SHIFT specifically requested a poll be run at their Oct. 20 event, a move supported by city clerk John Hannam, whose office is overseeing the Oct. 27 election.
SHIFT’s executive on Tuesday said they are merely trying to encourage younger voters to cast a ballot, something Hannam said is a priority it the city’s attempt to raise voter turnout.
Ch'ng said she did not know about the advanced poll until she heard about it in media reports.
"I am disappointed that I am brought into this, but the silver lining for me is that we need our youth to vote. It is one of my motivating factors of why I am running," she said.